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Fundraising

Grants, Sponsors, Crowdfunding, and Fundraisers

5.4

+

Million

Students Impacted Yearly

11000

+

Actively Participating Locations

12.6

+

Million

Books Vended Yearly

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Start Your Read-A-Thon

Read-A-Thon makes it fun and easy to raise the money you need to bring Inchy's Bookworm Vending Machine to your school.

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Crowdfunding

Why Schools Love Fundraising With Read-A-Thon

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No Upfront Costs

Starting a Read-A-Thon campaign is absolutely free and can be setup in just minutes.

Promote Reading, Not Selling
Every dollar raised comes from students reading books they love.
Full Guide
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Thomas Arnold
Engage Family & Community

Family & community members donate online to support a student. All donations can be tracked through your campaign portal.

Ties Directly to Literacy Goals
What better way to fund a book vending machine than with reading?
Case Study
Save the children US
Rat Calc

Get Your Results in Seconds

Estimate how much your school can raise with a Read-A-Thon. Use our free calculator to see funding potential and how close you are to an Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine™.

The number of students enrolled at your school.
450
1 1200
The number of students who are likely to participate in a Read-A-Thon.
33%
0% 100%
2
1 8
Your Result
$
Results are estimates based on an average donation of $34.10 per donor.
Get My Full Results
Start My Read-A-Thon

How It Works

  • Launch Your Read-A-Thon Campaign
    Set up your school’s campaign in minutes with Read-A-Thon’s online tools.

  • Engage Students and Sponsors
    Students log reading minutes while families, friends, and local donors contribute online.

  • Celebrate Your Success
    Use the funds raised to purchase your Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine™ — and start rewarding readers right away.

Start Your Campaign
Classroom
Podcast Episode

Stephanie Davern of Read-A-Thon

In this episode of the Reading Revolution podcast, we sit down with Stephanie Davern, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Read-A-Thon. With over 26 years of experience, Stephanie shares her insights on driving growth in the education space, strategies for successful fundraising, and how Read-A-Thon is helping schools raise funds while inspiring a love for reading.

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Start Your Campaign
Read a thon

DonorsChoose Special Request

Join the supportive online community of donors who want to fund your classroom projects.

Success Story

Donors Choose

Steps to Launch a Crowdfunding Campaign for Inchy's Bookworm Vending Machine on DonorsChoose

  1. Create a Compelling Campaign Page: Start by setting up a detailed campaign page on DonorsChoose. Include a clear description of the Inchy's Bookworm Vending Machine, its benefits for student literacy, and how it will be implemented. Use engaging photos, videos, or testimonials to illustrate the potential impact on students.

  2. Set a Realistic Funding Goal: Break down the costs associated with purchasing and stocking the vending machine with books. Set a realistic funding goal that covers these expenses, providing potential donors with a clear understanding of how their contributions will be used.

  3. Promote the Campaign: Share your DonorsChoose special request through multiple channels, including social media, email newsletters, and school events. Encourage parents, staff, and students to spread the word within their networks to maximize visibility and support.

  4. Engage with Donors: Keep donors engaged and informed throughout the campaign. Update the DonorsChoose page regularly with progress towards the funding goal and any new developments about the project. Expressing gratitude for donations, regardless of size, fosters a positive community around your initiative.

  5. Implement the Project: Once funded, proceed with purchasing and setting up Inchy's Bookworm Vending Machine. Share photos and stories of the vending machine in use, allowing donors to see the direct result of their contributions.

  6. Report on Impact: Provide updates on the impact of the book vending machine on student engagement and literacy. Success stories and data about increased reading levels can inspire further support and demonstrate the value of community-backed educational projects.

Launching a crowdfunding campaign through DonorsChoose for Inchy's Bookworm Vending Machine allows schools to directly connect with a supportive community eager to fund innovative literacy projects. This approach not only secures the necessary resources but also fosters a sense of collective achievement as the wider community contributes to enhancing educational opportunities for students.

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TESTIMONIALS

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING

Kara L.Media Specialist
“This machine has brought so much joy and excitement to my students. I want students everywhere to experience that feeling..”
Gabrielle B.Teacher
“I am in love with the vending machine and my students love it. They are so excited when they hear their name called and they get to pick out their own book. The students, teachers and community has loved the vending machine. The students love to share the books they have chosen with anyone who would listen to them. The community has really loved being able to share the books with our students.”
Amy S.PTO President
“We purchased a book vending machine at the end of last year with our Read A Thon fundraising dollars. Loved it so much we purchased a second one!”
Casie C.Principal
“User friendly ordering and delivery process and beautiful product. I wanted one for a long time and it is everything I imagined. Looks GREAT in our front office and rewards kids with books!”

Have Questions?
We're here to help!

How does a Read-A-Thon fundraiser work? Read-A-Thon is an easy, online reading fundraiser where students log their reading minutes and collect pledges from family and friends. Every page they read helps raise money for your school’s literacy goals like funding an Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine™.
How much can a school typically raise through a Read-A-Thon? Most schools raise between $5,000 and $15,000 in just a few weeks, depending on participation. Many have earned enough to fully fund a Book Vending Machine and their first set of books, with funds left over for additional literacy programs.
How do we use the funds for our Book Vending Machine purchase? Once your Read-A-Thon ends, your school receives the proceeds directly. You can then apply those funds toward your Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine™ order or book bundle refills. Our team can coordinate with your Read-A-Thon representative to make the process seamless.
What makes Read-A-Thon a better fundraiser than traditional methods? Unlike selling products or hosting complex events, Read-A-Thon fundraisers promote literacy itself. Students stay engaged, families participate online, and the results directly support reading — aligning perfectly with your school’s educational mission.
Do we need special technology or materials to run a Read-A-Thon? No — everything is handled through Read-A-Thon’s secure online platform. You’ll get a custom dashboard, automated parent communication tools, and printable reading logs. Our BookVending.com team provides additional support and funding guidance along the way.
Can we combine a Read-A-Thon with other fundraising or sponsorship efforts?

Yes! Many schools pair their Read-A-Thon with local business sponsors or PTO events. You can even display your sponsors’ logos on your vending machine wrap or recognition plaque for added visibility and support.
How do we get started? Click “Start Your Read-A-Thon” to connect with a Read-A-Thon specialist. They’ll help you set up your campaign, and our BookVending.com team will walk you through how to apply your funds toward your machine when the campaign ends.